Meet Divya Tanwar: Youngest Female IPS Officer Who Reached AIR 105 in UPSC CSE Without Coaching

In a nation where the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is considered one of the most challenging academic pursuits, Divya Tanwar’s incredible journey from a small village in Haryana to becoming an IAS officer stands out as a story of sheer determination, grit, and self-belief.

A Journey Born in Adversity

Hailing from Nimbi village in Mahendragarh, Haryana, Divya Tanwar faced the harsh realities of life early on. After losing her father in 2011, her family struggled financially. Yet, her mother, Babita Tanwar, worked tirelessly to ensure her children had access to education. Divya attended government schools and later Navodaya Vidyalaya, where her academic brilliance began to shine.

Cracking UPSC Without Coaching

Unlike many aspirants who opt for coaching classes in big cities, Divya chose a self-reliant path. Using online resources and mock tests, she prepared on her own and cracked the UPSC CSE in 2021 at just 21 years old. She secured All India Rank (AIR) 438, making her one of the youngest female IPS officers in the country.

In her first attempt, Divya scored 751 in the written exam and 179 in the interview, totaling 930 marks. As a candidate from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), her success became a beacon of hope for others from similar backgrounds.

Reappeared and Rose Higher

Despite her early success, Divya was not content with settling. She aspired for more. In 2022, she reappeared for the UPSC CSE and secured AIR 105, achieving her dream of becoming an IAS officer.

In her second attempt, she improved her score significantly with 834 marks in the written test and 160 in the personality test, totaling 994. Her consistent self-discipline and hunger for growth underscored her transformation from a young IPS officer to a high-ranking IAS officer in the Manipur cadre.

A Role Model for Aspirants Nationwide

Now serving as an IAS officer, Divya’s journey is more than just a tale of exam success—it’s a story of resilience against all odds. Her rise from a humble background without access to coaching to cracking one of the toughest exams in India, not once but twice, exemplifies what unwavering determination and self-confidence can achieve.

Divya Tanwar’s story is an inspiration to millions, showing that barriers—be they financial, social, or institutional—can be overcome with the right mindset, hard work, and faith in oneself.